Viniou Reviews
The 2016 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett is a sublime expression of Mosel Riesling, hailing from one of the world’s most iconic vineyard sites. Crafted exclusively from Riesling grapes, this white wine exemplifies the hallmark characteristics of the Kabinett category: a light body, lively acidity, and a delicate balance between ripe fruit and residual sugar, though it remains at the drier end (as indicated by 'sec'). The 2016 vintage in the Mosel was marked by a cool spring followed by a warm, sunny autumn, allowing for a slow and steady ripening which is ideal for expressing the vineyard’s distinct minerality and finesse. Prüm’s careful, minimalist vinification ensures that the wine captures the essence of the slate soils and steep slopes of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr, showcasing pronounced aromas of green apple, white peach, and honeysuckle, with a subtle undercurrent of wet stone.
Mosel is Germany’s most celebrated region for Riesling, famed for its dramatic landscape of winding river valleys and dizzyingly steep vineyards. The combination of cool, marginal climate and blue Devonian slate soils gives Mosel wines their renowned precision, purity, and racy acidity. The Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard, in particular, benefits from optimal sun exposure and exceptional drainage, producing wines of remarkable longevity and complexity. This area has a winegrowing history dating back to Roman times, but it is the Prüm estate and a handful of other producers who have brought its reputation to international acclaim through unwavering commitment to quality and tradition.
For food pairings, the refreshing acidity and delicate structure of this Riesling make it a superb match for a variety of dishes. It beautifully complements fresh seafood such as ceviche, poached river fish, or oysters, and is equally at home alongside Asian-inspired dishes like sushi or lightly spiced Thai salads. Traditional regional fare, like smoked trout and potato salad, will also highlight its minerality and lively fruit.
Serve this wine well-chilled, at around 8–10°C, to accentuate its aromatic brightness and tension. Enjoy in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate its bouquet, and do not hesitate to let it evolve in the glass; with a bit of air, the subtle complexity will continue to unfold. This 2016 Kabinett has the potential for further ageing but is already showing its youthful charm.
